Dallas Cowboys’ Jaylon Smith drops jersey number 54 for 9, last worn by Tony Romo
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith will be starting the 2021 season with a new number, but not unfamiliar one.
Smith is switching jersey numbers from 54 to 9, which was previously worn by popular quarterback Tony Romo, who retired after 2016 season as the team’s all-time leading passer.
“First and foremost, just a blessing and an honor to be able to carry on the 9 legacy,” Smith said Tuesday. “Tony Romo did an amazing job of just being elite and putting together great success for the Cowboys. New players coming in always getting an opportunity to sometimes carry on legacies, and that’s the opportunity the Jones family granted me with wearing No. 9. So it’s definitely a blessing.”
Smith said the No. 9 is significant to him. He has worn it dating back to youth football. He wore it in high school and at college at Notre Dame.
“It’s been a part of my life. I’ve been wearing No. 9 since I was 9 years old, through Pee Wee, middle school, high school, college, All-American games, you name it,” Smith said. “No. 9 is a part of me.”
Smith has reached out to Romo to let him know of his plans and get his blessing but he has yet to speak to him.
“Actually, me and Tony, we’re working on conversations right now,” Smith said. “Nothing but love. He’s a busy guy. But it’s just an amazing feeling. . . . It’s definitely a blessing to be able to carry on his number. He’s a big brother and definitely thank him.”
Smith is taking advantage of a new NFL rule that does away with position-specific numbers.
He will be the first linebacker in team history with a single-digit number.
Smith will have to buy out the current inventory of No. 54 jerseys and t-shirts at a cost of close to $500,000, per ESPN.
It’s an expensive change but Smith says it’s worth it to him.
“It’s about value over cost, and definitely a blessing being able to play for the Dallas Cowboys,” Smith said. “We’re working out the terms the right way. But really I’m just thankful to be in the No. 9.”
Smith is not the only Cowboys player making a number change.
Safety Donovan Wilson is moving to No. 6 after wearing No. 37 the past two seasons.
Receiver Cedrick Wilson is now wearing No. 1 after his No. 11 was given to first-round pick Micah Parsons.
This story was originally published May 25, 2021 at 12:12 PM.
